Taiwan Monitors Chinese Military Activity Near Taiwan Strait
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported that from 6 am on Saturday to 6 am on Sunday, 36 Chinese military aircraft and 12 naval vessels were operating around Taiwan. Of these, 31 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern, southeastern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
In response, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor China’s military activity. The MND stated, “36 PLA aircraft and 12 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. today. 31 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded.”
So far in August, Taiwan has detected PLA aircraft 71 times and Chinese ships 36 times. Since September 2020, China has increased its military activities around Taiwan, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan’s ADIZ and military exercises near the island.
Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949, but China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary. On Saturday, the MND reported a surge in activity by China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) near the Taiwan Strait, with 18 Chinese aircraft and 13 naval vessels detected as of 6 am local time. Of these, 11 aircraft breached the median line, entering Taiwan’s southwestern ADIZ. Taiwan’s military closely monitored the situation and responded promptly.
The MND stated, “18 PLA aircraft and 13 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. today. 11 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
Doubts Revealed
Taiwan -: Taiwan is an island located near China. It has its own government and is officially called the Republic of China (ROC).
Chinese Military -: The Chinese Military refers to the armed forces of China, officially known as the People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Taiwan Strait -: The Taiwan Strait is a body of water that separates Taiwan from mainland China.
Ministry of National Defence -: This is a government department in Taiwan responsible for managing the country’s defense and military affairs.
Military Aircraft -: These are airplanes used by the military for defense and combat purposes.
Naval Vessels -: These are ships used by the navy, which is a part of the military that operates at sea.
Median Line -: The median line is an imaginary line in the middle of the Taiwan Strait, which is often used as a boundary between Taiwan and China.
Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) -: This is an area where a country monitors and controls aircraft to protect its security.
Missile Systems -: These are weapons designed to launch missiles, which are explosive projectiles used in warfare.
Increased Military Activities -: This means that there has been more movement and action by the military, such as exercises or patrols.